The LiVE 88.5 Big Money Shot has become a cornerstone in Ottawa’s independent music community.

LiVE created the Big Money Shot in 2006 as an annual talent search organized by Newcap’s Ottawa station LiVE 88.5 FM. Over the past five years, the competition has provided over $2 million to Canadian musicians in the Ottawa region. The event has drawn hundreds of local artists and has become a cornerstone in Ottawa’s independent music community.

Every year the prize money and exposure from the “LiVE 88.5 Big Money Shot” has given bands from the Ottawa region the chance to turn their talents into viable music careers. In 2010, the LiVE 88.5 Big Money Shot event awarded a total of $360,000 in cash prizes. The contest winners took home a grand prize of $150,000, while two runner-up artists each won prizes of $75,000. Other contestants received awards totaling $60,000. LiVE 88.5 also contributed $190,000 towards workshops and artist showcases.

The Big Money Shot exists as a part of Newcap’s commitment to Canadian Content Development (“CCD”), a multifaceted CRTC initiative. Newcap contributes approximately $3 million annually to CCD, and equal or greater value through airplay and promotion of Canadian artists.

The Big Money Shot is about more than just big money. Not only does Newcap Radio provide financial support, but the contest also draws experienced luminaries from across the industry to work with competing bands. Judges and consultants for our contest have included leaders from various companies in the record label and entertainment business. In addition to the industry contacts and coaching, the six-month competition gives artists opportunities to form relationships with other bands, and most importantly, provides a platform to showcase their music to thousands of local fans.

In 2010, Big Money Shot champions were pop/rockers Autumns Canon (pictured), who currently reside in Ottawa.

Lee Wagner, Newcap Radio Ottawa Operations Manager, said “2010 was another fantastic year for our contest. Our $150,000 winner, Autumns Canon, and the two $75,000 runner-up bands, The Balconies and My Favourite Tragedy, will all be poised to make an immediate impact on the Canadian music scene. Last year’s winner, Hollerado, had a monster 2010 with two singles hitting the Top 20 of the Canadian radio charts and culminating in a Juno nomination for Best New Group. The Ottawa music scene is beginning to launch and we are thrilled to be on board.”